Private Swimming Pools in Telangana Under Scrutiny After Tragic Drowning Incident
In the wake of an alleged drowning of an 18-year-old girl in a swimming pool in Alwal, Hyderabad, on Sunday, the glaring absence of a dedicated regulatory body for private swimming pools across Telangana has come under intense scrutiny. Authorities have registered a negligence case against the pool owner and the swimming coach, sparking a broader conversation about safety lapses in such facilities.
Regulatory Void and Safety Concerns
While the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) manages 14 government swimming pools in the city, there is no authorized body monitoring safety compliance at the hundreds of private pools operating in clubs, hotels, gated communities, and apartments. Currently, the onus of safety rests solely on private pool owners, a system that experts argue is fraught with risks.
G Mahesh, state secretary of the Telangana Swimming Association (TSA) and a senior swimming coach, has raised serious concerns about the safety practices at these private facilities. He emphasized that many owners prioritize basic maintenance but neglect critical aspects like hiring qualified lifeguards or deploying life-saving equipment.
"Since Sports Authority of India (SAI)-certified trainers and lifeguards demand higher salaries, many pool operators hire cheaper, unqualified staff to cut costs and boost profit margins," Mahesh stated. "In some instances, there is no coach or lifeguard present at all, despite regulations mandating a lifeguard even if only one swimmer is in the pool."
Cost-Cutting and Inadequate Staffing
Mahesh highlighted the stark salary disparities, noting that unqualified personnel often earn between ₹10,000 and ₹15,000 per month, whereas certified lifeguards typically command ₹30,000 to ₹40,000. This economic incentive drives many operators to compromise on safety.
Experts further explained that the number of lifeguards should be proportional to pool size. A standard 50-meter pool typically requires about six lifeguards, while a 25-meter pool should have at least three to four on duty. Many underqualified lifeguards at private facilities lack proper CPR and emergency response training, exacerbating risks.
"All lifeguards on duty must be certified in CPR and basic life support, with regular refresher training. This is the minimum safety standard, yet many private pools fall short," Mahesh added.
Details of the Alwal Incident and Official Responses
In the Alwal case, police reported that CCTV footage showed the victim suddenly collapsing while standing in water only 3 feet deep. The exact cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem report is released. Authorities have also written to the GHMC to verify if the pool was operating legally.
GHMC officials clarified that only municipal pools fall under their purview, and these are adequately staffed with lifeguards and lifesaving equipment. They warned about ground-level pools in gated communities where small children can easily slip in and drown.
"While we can exercise some control through building permissions in gated communities, there is no clear-cut rule governing private pools. If someone has a pool on private property, enforcing safety regulations becomes challenging," said an official from the GHMC sports wing.
Calls for Uniform Regulation and Oversight
N Rakesh, manager of a private swimming facility in Banjara Hills, acknowledged that responsible operators adhere to strict safety protocols but stressed the need for uniform regulation. "At our pool, we ensure certified lifeguards are present, staff are trained in CPR, and swimmers are continuously monitored. However, city-wide mandatory guidelines are essential so every private pool follows the same standards," he said.
Experts are urging municipal authorities to take the lead in establishing safety norms and conducting regular inspections. They warn that without stronger oversight, gaps in private pool safety will continue to pose significant risks to public health and safety.
